Frequently
Asked
Questions

Choosing the right partner for your COINS journey is an important decision. To make things easier, we’ve pulled together the questions we’re asked most often about HISL, our services and our way of working. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, our team is always happy to talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

Why choose HISL over other COINS specialists?

HISL is the only accredited Access/COINS partner in the UK and Ireland. Our reputation is built on being the best-resourced and most capable team, with over 20 consultants and more than 150 customers supported. Founded in 2007 by former COINS director Neil Duguid, we’ve successfully delivered 50+ new implementations in the last five years alone.

Are you officially recognised by Access?

Yes. As the only accredited Access/COINS partner, all development carried out by HISL is warranted and supported by Access. Whether you contract directly with us or via Access, your warranty is fully protected.

Can I contract directly with HISL?

Yes. You can contract directly with HISL for Project Consultancy, Technical Integration, Minder™ or Accounting Support services. New implementations must be contracted via Access, but you can request HISL as your chosen implementation partner.

How experienced is the HISL team?

Our consultants typically have over five years of direct COINS experience, many of them having worked as COINS customers themselves. We continuously invest in training and skills development, giving you access to the most knowledgeable and capable team available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minder™ Service FAQs

What is Minder™?

Minder™ is HISL’s dedicated support service for all your COINS queries. Our team acts as an extension of yours – approachable, knowledgeable and responsive – helping you with BAU issues, user access, regression testing, workflows, small works, integrations and more.

How does Minder™ differ from Access CSPs?

CSP is a pre-paid, proactive service that works best when planned in advance. Minder™ is reactive, resolving the BAU issues of the day as they arise. Used together, CSP and Minder™ give you both proactive planning and immediate problem-solving.

Why use Minder™ instead of hiring in-house expertise?

Maintaining in-house COINS expertise can be costly and risky if key staff leave. Minder™ gives you flexible access to a team of specialists whenever you need them, without the overheads of a full-time resource.

Can Minder™ help with new implementations?

Yes. While it focuses on day-to-day support, the Minder™ portal also allows you to raise implementation requests – including small projects, workflow changes, integrations and module deployments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consulting & Implementation FAQs

What does HISL offer in Consulting & Implementation?

We’ve delivered more than 50 COINS implementations in the last five years, ranging from new setups to complex entity separations and phased rollouts. Our consultants help you scope, design, test and deliver solutions that support your growth.

Do you only work on new implementations?

No. Alongside full new implementations, HISL runs process reviews, system optimisations and upgrades to help you get more value from COINS over time.

Can HISL support post-implementation improvements?

Absolutely. We specialise in helping clients evolve their COINS use after go-live, whether that’s streamlining processes, improving reporting, or integrating with third-party applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Consulting FAQs

What Technical Consulting do you provide?

We support integrations between COINS and third-party systems – such as payroll, HR, procurement, reporting and document management solutions – make sure your data flows securely and efficiently across platforms.

Do you build custom integrations?

Yes. Our team designs, tests and delivers bespoke integrations to meet the specific needs of your business. Every integration is backed by our Access accreditation.

Can you help with regression testing?

Yes. As part of our integration work, HISL provides regression testing to ensure stability when changes are made – whether by Access updates or internal system developments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tailored Services FAQs

What is included in your Tailored Services?

We offer tailored solutions that extends beyond our technical services We can provided temporary and ongoing assistance across operational, administrative, and project-related areas.

Why would I outsource support?

Outsourcing provides continuity and reduces the risk of delays or errors when in-house teams are stretched. HISL gives you instant access to experienced COINS users who can step in quickly.

Do you help with finance process improvements?

Yes. Beyond providing extra resource, HISL also helps implement process improvements inside COINS – such as simplified invoice matching or automated workflows – to reduce admin and improve control.